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Criterion
Paper mind map with a central course onboarding question, colored main branches, keywords and cross-links.
Facilitation
Mind Mapping
Paper illustration of two considered options leading to a decision record with a marked status and visible consequences.
Architecture
Architecture Decision Record
Paper illustration of a Concept Map with concepts and labelled links
Knowledge Modeling
Concept Mapping
Paper illustration of several people silently writing ideas and passing sheets around with arrows.
Innovation
Brainwriting
Purposedifferent
When a topic is still unclear and too many thoughts surface at once, Mind Mapping creates an open surface for ordering them. It makes connections, subtopics, and starting points visible without fixing them too early.An ADR permanently records an architecture decision with context, trade-offs, and consequence. It creates continuity for later changes because the decision path stays traceable.Concept Mapping arranges terms and relationships in a network that makes subject-matter connections tangible. It fits when a topic needs to be understood structurally rather than linearly.When loud voices or hierarchy distort the idea search, the method creates a quiet entry into joint development. It gives everyone thinking space and gathers contributions without social brakes, making diversity more visible and easier to build on.
Complexitydifferent
LowLowMediumLow
Timedifferent
15-45 min15-45 min1-2 h15-30 min
Participantsdifferent
1-101-31-83-12
Formatdifferent
Workshop + asyncAsyncWorkshop + asyncWorkshop + async
Outputdifferent
Mind Map, Topic Clusters, Open QuestionsADR File, Decision Log, RationaleConcept Map, Relationship Labels, Knowledge GapsIdea sheets, Expanded concepts, Prioritized list
Tagsno overlap
BrainstormingIdeasMappingStructureFacilitation
ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance
KnowledgeConceptsMappingSensemaking
BrainstormingCollaborationInclusionIdeas
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